The Bukluran Multi-Purpose Cooperative (BMPC) is a large-scale community-based cooperative in Paliparan III, Dasmarinas, Cavite that supports around 3,700 grassroots members all over Cavite. It extends quality services, loan products, livelihood programs, and others.

In October 2020, BMPC participated in the online Business Continuity Planning (BCP) training course conducted by the Center for Humanitarian Learning and Innovation (CHLI). Before then, BMPC had no structured guidelines for the safety and security of its infrastructure, members, and staff. There were neither proper documentation and policies related to safety; safety and security measures were ad-hoc, fragmented, and inconsistent across its three offices.

Mr. Eduardo Saraida, the Vice Chairperson of the Board of Directors, disclosed, “The tailored format of the BCP training that CHLI provided and how the training was delivered were easy to comprehend, so BCP development was facilitated and finished within the targeted time given by CHLI.” The main office of BMPC is prone to fire and theft which the BCP addressed.

BMPC then included the draft BCP in the agenda of its Annual Strategic Planning. It was presented and narratively expounded to the Board of Directors and key staff. After a thorough discussion, the Board of Directors finalized and unanimously approved the BCP, with a resolution passed for this purpose.

A calendar of activities for all members, officers and staff were laid-out for BCP implementation. Trainings such as fire drills, safety measures, and how to use fire extinguishers were conducted at BMPC’s main office and two satellite buildings. At the main office, a fire exit was installed and visible signages were put in place. According to Mr. Saraida, the BCP has become their basic reference for safety and security, where quantified checklists of what to do before, during, and after a disaster strikes can be referred to at one’s fingertips, staple at the table. Even the first layer of strategies against a COVID-19 pandemic were included. For easy access, hard copies of the BCP are visible on the General Manager’s table and at operation offices.

CHLI has conducted nine (9) runs of BCP Training in 2020 with around 300 participants from cooperatives and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) all over the country. CHLI worked in partnership with the National Confederation of Cooperatives, CLIMBS Institute of Management, Model Cooperative Network, Union of Enterprising Cooperative, and the Department of Trade and Industry – Region 4A.

With the COVID-19 pandemic restricting face-to-face learning events, CHLI converted its training modules into a learning package that can be delivered fully online. To learn more about BCP, visit its website at chli.asia/services-products

This article is part of the CODE-NGO Annual Report for CY 2020 – CODE-NGO.